Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options available, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Two popular switches to consider are the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, and the Durock Mamba, a linear switch. The Bamboo Green switches are best known for their clacky sound and crisp tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba switches pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and offer a smooth gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. While these general descriptions can help you determine which switch may be more appealing to you, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Mamba switches have distinct characteristics and contribute to different sound profiles. The Bamboo Green utilizes a PBT top housing, which offers a neutral sound profile that is neither sharp nor dull. This implies that the typing experience would produce a pleasant, balanced sound. In contrast, the Mamba features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, resulting in a brighter sound profile. This suggests that the Mamba may provide a slightly sharper auditory experience compared to the Bamboo Green.
The housing materials used in the bottom housings of the two switches also differ. The Bamboo Green employs the PBT material, similar to its top housing. As mentioned before, PBT provides a neutral sound profile without extreme crispness or dullness. Conversely, the Mamba incorporates a POM bottom housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This implies that the Mamba may offer a typing experience with a deeper pitch and reduced resonance in comparison to the Bamboo Green.
It's important to note that although the top and bottom housing materials vary between the two switches, they contribute to different facets of the typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the sound when releasing a key is influenced by the top housing. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant sound and typing experience, with the Bamboo Green aiming for a balanced sound profile while the Mamba leans towards a slightly brighter or deeper auditory sensation depending on the keypress.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Bamboo Green is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, both falling in the medium range. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Mamba is currently unavailable, but it does have a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is also medium.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Bamboo Green would be a suitable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively lower. This makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, whether at work or during gaming marathons. However, for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, the Mamba might be more appealing. Although we don't know the exact actuation force, its bottom out force of 60 grams indicates a slightly heavier sensation compared to the Bamboo Green.
While the actuation forces are not directly comparable due to the missing information for the Mamba, we can still gather that both switches fall within the medium range, providing a balance between resistance and ease of typing. Regardless of the differences in actuation force, the bottom out force of 60 grams for the Mamba is similar to the 62 grams of the Bamboo Green. This means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the force required to fully depress the keys.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a potentially heavier keystroke. Choosing between them depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Whether one prefers a lighter touch for prolonged use or a stronger push for a more robust feel, both switches provide options that cater to different typing needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Bamboo Green has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Bamboo Green being on the longer end and the Mamba on the shorter end. Gamers, who value fast response times, may lean towards the Mamba with its shorter travel distance. This allows for quicker keystrokes and a more immediate reaction. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press might find the Bamboo Green more to their liking, as its longer travel distance provides a sense of depth and solidity. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are known for their high-pitched and resonant qualities. They produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches have a neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound experience, suitable for various purposes and users. Additionally, they are described as "thocky," meaning they produce a deep and satisfying sound similar to a "thud" or a soft "knock" when pressed and released. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences and typing experiences.
Turning to the feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green switches are characterized as stepped, accented, sharp, and polished. They provide a tactile experience with two stages, offering a mild level of tactility without being overwhelming. The sharp tactile bump is prominent and can be felt distinctly with each keypress. Additionally, the switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Durock Mamba switches are also described as polished, providing a sleek and refined typing experience. They offer a mild typing experience, gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches prioritize smoothness in key travel and provide a comfortable feel during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green and Durock Mamba switches offer different subjective qualities to consider. The Bamboo Green switches have a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility, making them suitable for those who prefer higher-pitched switches and a more distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Mamba switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, catering to those who prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the choice between the two depends on the individual's preferences for sound and feel, and both switches provide satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Everglide Bamboo Green would be a great choice. When typing on these switches, you can expect a clacky sound signature along with a crisp and sparkling tactility. The Bamboo Green is known for its stepped and accented feel, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, if you prefer a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Bamboo Green would be a good fit.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba would be a suitable option. These Mamba switches offer a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. The Mamba switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Mamba switches provide a neutral and thocky sound profile, which is both moderate and satisfying.
Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Durock Mamba would depend on your preferences. If you prioritize a tactile switch with clacky sound and crisp tactility, go for the Bamboo Green. However, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing experience and a polished finish, the Mamba would be a better choice. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to make an informed decision.
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